Guntersville

Guntersville is a small town at the southern most part of the Tennessee River. In many ways it resembles an island since it is surrounded on three sides by Guntersville Lake. The region is known as the "Mountain Lakes" area, and for good reasons; it has gently rolling green hills and lakes and rivers aplenty.

Guntersville is not near any interstates (fortunately); however it can be reached on US-431 or at the intersection of Alabama 69 and 79.

• Guntersville Museum, 1215 Rayburn Ave. Local history museum in old rock armory, with Native American exhibits, diorama about Civil War fight for Guntersville, watercolors, birds/trophy bass, and travelling exhibits. Tel: +1 256-571-7597. Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa-Su 1PM-4PM. Free.

The river and lake is the center of all activities. Go for a hike at Guntersville State Park or take a boat out on the river and explore or go fishing.

In the nearby city of Grant, you can see the spectacular Cathedral Caverns.

• Top O' The River, 7004 Val Monte Dr. Specializes in seafood even though it's a ways from the ocean. Tel: +1 256-582-4567.
• Rock House Eatery, 1201 Gunter Ave. Specializing in Southern cooking, in a stone cottage. Tel: +1 256-505-4699.

• Wyndham Garden Lake Guntersville, 2140 Gunter Ave. Riverfront lodging with a pool. Tel: +1 256-677-9083.